Master Musicians Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Master Musicians Festival |
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The band Counting Crows performs on stage at the 2014 Master Musicians Festival.
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| Genre | Varied: Rock, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Country, World, Bluegrass |
| Dates | Annually in July |
| Location(s) | Somerset Community College Somerset, Kentucky |
| Years active | 1994–2019, 2021– |
The Master Musicians Festival is a fun, outdoor music event that happens for two days every July. It takes place in the town of Somerset, Kentucky, on the campus of Somerset Community College. The festival started in 1994 and is run by a team of volunteers.
This festival is a special type of organization called a non-profit. This means its main goal isn't to make money, but to bring amazing music to people in rural Kentucky. The money it gets from tickets, donations, and sponsors is used to make the festival happen each year.
You can hear all kinds of music at the festival! From blues and bluegrass to rock and jazz, there's something for everyone. In 2018, the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary. To mark the special occasion, two-time Grammy winner John Prine, a famous singer-songwriter from Kentucky, was the main performer.
Many famous musicians have played at the festival over the years. These include Counting Crows, Willie Nelson, Nickel Creek, and Dwight Yoakam. The festival always makes sure to feature talented local artists from Kentucky alongside these big names.
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More Than Just Music
The festival is also a celebration of art. Each year, a local artist designs the picture for the official festival T-shirt. This artwork is also sold at an auction to help raise money for the event.
The festival also gives out special awards. The Educator of the Year Award honors a local music teacher who helps young people in Kentucky learn about music. The MMF Lifetime Achievement Award is given to someone from the area who has done great things for the arts.
Besides the music, you can also find art displays, food vendors, and fun activities for all ages. In recent years, about 6,000 people have attended the festival over its two days.
What is the Festival's Goal?
The Master Musicians Festival has a clear mission. It was created to:
- Bring music and culture from different generations and places to the Lake Cumberland area of Kentucky.
- Teach people in the region about different kinds of music.
- Support all kinds of art, including music, painting, and crafts.
- Honor a special "master" musician, teacher, or community member each year.
How the Festival Got Started
The festival was founded in 1994 by a musician named Gabrielle Gray. She later became the director of the International Bluegrass Music Museum.
The festival took a break in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, it helped organize online music events. The live, in-person festival returned in 2021 for everyone to enjoy.
Awards and Honors
The Master Musicians Festival has won several awards for being a great event.
- In 2013, the Southeast Tourism Society named it the "Event or Festival of the Year."
- The Kentucky Travel Industry Association chose it as one of its Top Summer Festivals in 2015.
- It won first place for "Music Festival 2015" from Kentucky Living Magazine.
- It has also received the Kentucky Governor's Awards for the Arts.
